Private Detectives and Investigators Pay Range in District of Columbia
Pay distribution across experience levels
- 10th Percentile — Entry Level$45,790
- 25th Percentile — Junior$46,330
- 50th Percentile — Median$72,720
- 75th Percentile — Senior$107,920
- 90th Percentile — Top Earners$156,670
Half of Private Detectives and Investigators in District of Columbia earn more than $72,720. The top 10% make $156,670 or more, while entry-level workers start around $45,790.
Private Detectives and Investigators in District of Columbia: Key Facts
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
- District of Columbia ranks 1st of 49 states for Private Detectives and Investigators pay, at $88,260 per year (46.7% above the U.S. average of $60,150).
- Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $45,790; the top 10% earn over $156,670.
- Hourly equivalent: $42.43 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
- Among public safety jobs in District of Columbia, First-Line Supervisors of Police pays the most ($148,210).
Private Detectives and Investigators Job Market in District of Columbia
Key factors affecting compensation
District of Columbia's key industries are Government, Finance, Technology, and its job market is rated very strong. Private Detectives and Investigators here earn $88,260 on average, placing the state 1st nationally.
With a cost-of-living index of 1.52 (U.S. = 1.00), a District of Columbia salary of $88,260 is roughly equivalent to $58,066 at the national average cost of living.
Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, Oregon ($74,690), Washington ($71,020), Massachusetts ($70,110) are the closest alternatives for Private Detectives and Investigators weighing a move.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
Other Public Safety Jobs in District of Columbia
Related career salary benchmarks
- First-Line Supervisors of Police $148,210/yr District of Columbia +67.9% vs this role
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $148,110/yr District of Columbia +67.8% vs this role
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting $126,450/yr District of Columbia +43.3% vs this role
- Police Officers $92,390/yr District of Columbia +4.7% vs this role
- Firefighters $79,550/yr District of Columbia 9.9% vs this role
- Security Guards $60,720/yr District of Columbia 31.2% vs this role
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
What is the average Private Detectives and Investigators salary in District of Columbia?
The average Private Detectives and Investigators salary in District of Columbia is $88,260 per year (median $72,720), which is 46.7% above the national average of $60,150.
How does District of Columbia rank for Private Detectives and Investigators pay?
District of Columbia ranks 1st out of 49 states. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia ($88,260/yr).
How much do entry-level Private Detectives and Investigators make in District of Columbia?
The lowest-paid 10% of Private Detectives and Investigators in District of Columbia earn about $45,790 per year and the 25th percentile is $46,330.
How much do Private Detectives and Investigators make per hour in District of Columbia?
About $42.43 per hour, based on the $88,260 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.
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